Weather
Winter weather has arrived in Croatia's north, and with it comes the snow and ice, while the Adriatic coast and islands get heavy rains. Though the showers typically don't last long, only about half of the month receives rain. There's also the bura to contend with, a strong northeasterly wind that sweeps up the Adriatic coast and can reach hurricane-like force causing people to stay indoors, ferries to be canceled, and bridges to close. It's no surprise, then, that December is one of the coldest months of the year.
Average daily temperatures inland hover around freezing, the mountainous area seeing the mercury drop below freezing. The coast, however, continues to be mild, with temperatures ranging between 45°F-50°F (7°C-10°C).
Crowds & Costs
There are few foreign tourists in Dubrovnik and the coast making travel to Croatia this time of year a more intimate experience. City centers from Dubrovnik to Zagreb will be busy with the Advent and Christmas season activities: Croats flocking to admire and participate in the festive decorations, celebrations, and Christmas markets. Hotels that remain open all year along the coast will be significantly reduced. Bear in mind that winter is considered Croatia's low season, and therefore, transportation connections are limited.
Zagreb is steadily becoming a destination hot spot for both foreign and domestic tourists, the nearby ski slopes opening in December offering reasonable day and week passes.
Where to Go
There's something to experience in all parts of Croatia in December since the start of the festive season with Advent (the fourth Sunday before Christmas). Dubrovnik is a great place to start your holiday, with its quiet cobblestoned streets, near empty historic walls, mild weather, and seasonal decorations and festivities beginning to develop, including Christmas markets, concerts, and carolers. Most other cities and towns, like Split, Zadar, and Rijeka, celebrate Christmas with great enthusiasm. See this Best of Dubrovnik article.
Croatia's most famous national park, Plitvice Lakes, is great to visit year-round. Though most travelers tend to visit in the warmer months, it takes on a whole other layer of beauty when the snow starts to stick, and the lakes begin to freeze over. For more ideas on how to experience Plitvice Lakes, read this article.
A visit to Istria for a laid-back experience of the Roman-influenced region offers much in the form of a cozy off-season destination. Visit Rovinj or Pula for quiet exploration of their narrow, winding streets and Roman ruins, or Motovun for charming views of snow-covered rolling hills and terracotta tiled rooftops of this hillside medieval town. This Ultimate Guide to Istria is worth checking out.
Zagreb has been voted the best in Europe for three consecutive years for its Advent program, making a visit to the capital a must. Jelačić Square hosts an impressive Christmas market, full of lights, live music, mulled wine, and food stalls, while the Ice Park on Tomislav Square converts into a skating rink surrounded by thousands of lights and food stands. Zrinjevac park too exudes holiday spirit, its stately trees adorned in twinkling lights that light the food and beverage stalls and handmade trinkets beneath.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
With the decline in temperatures, Zagreb pulls double duty as a festive city break and as a skiing holiday, December marking the beginning of the ski season. Many locals head to Medvednica mountain, just a 20-minute drive outside of Zagreb, for downhill skiing and snowboarding, or to Platak, which offers runs for downhill skiers, snowboarders, and cross-country skiers alike. If skiing isn't your thing, stay local and visit the open-air skating rink in Tomislav Square for fun amid festive decorations. Then bundle up and hit the many venues offering local delicacies, handicrafts, and warm beverages, including holiday favorite, mulled wine.
Dubrovnik's Winter Festival remains traditional (compared to the more commercial Zagreb) and not only entices visitors with its charm, but with its milder weather, you may be tempted to sit outdoors with a hot beverage in hand. Outside the Church of St. Blaise, listen to a classical music concert, wander advent stalls offering food, drinks, and souvenirs, or wander Dubrovnik's impressive city walls—void of people this time of year.
Toward the end of December, the focus shifts away from Christmas and toward New Year's celebrations. Each town across the country ringing in the New Year with a solid live music act. Most performances are homegrown, though international performers are starting to frequent stages. Dubrovnik sets up a venue on the main street of Stradun for a crowd-pleasing and family-friendly mix of pop and folk, or further up the coast, Split's Riva is where to be, the Korzo in Rijeka, or the Roman Forum in Pula. No matter where you end up in Croatia on December 31, you will be taken care of.
Events in December
Pelješac Wine Cellars Open Days, Ston. During the first weekend in December, Ston, a short drive from Dubrovnik, promotes the year's vintage with workshops, music, and tastings. Even more fun, the wine cellars open their doors to the public to look and sample the goods.
Chocolate Festival, Opatija. Celebrating everything chocolate, this festival held in Opatija showcases the best chocolate for sampling from international brands to specialized manufacturers all producing original desserts. Everything from lectures and workshops to tastings, concerts, and wine pairings is dedicated to chocolate.
Decorating Christmas Tree in the Sea, Rijeka. The small town of Rijeka in the peninsula of Istria has a tradition of inviting locals and visitors alike to decorate their central Christmas tree.
Codfish and Chocolate Week, Rijeka. A traditional holiday dish typically served on Christmas Eve undergoes a makeover as Rijeka's local taverns and restaurants prepare regional dishes with preserved cod and offer chocolate and pralines for dessert throughout the week.
Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & Boxing Day, nationwide. All three days are celebrated across Croatia. Christmas dinner is eaten on Christmas Eve, followed by midnight mass, and presents are opened on Christmas Day. Both Christmas and Boxing Day are national bank holidays, so note there will be plenty of business closures.
Traveling to Croatia in December? Check out these great itinerary ideas
Dalmatian Coast Self-Drive Tour - 12 Days. The sun always shines on the Dalmatian Coast—one of Europe's most scenic coastal drives. In 12 days, you'll have the freedom to explore on your own, starting from historic Zagreb and ending at the walls of mighty Dubrovnik, with a wide selection of national parks and beautiful coastal towns to stop at along the way.
Christmas in Zagreb - 4 Days. Zagreb in December shines brightly with trimmed trees, twinkling lights, and bustling Advent markets in the lead up to Christmas and the New Year. Spend three magical days in Croatia's charming capital, where you'll immerse yourself in its festive delights, and spend a full day wandering through snow-laden Plitvice Lakes National Park, a true winter wonderland.
More Helpful Information
Croatia in November
Croatia in January
Best Time of Year to Visit Croatia
How Many Days to Spend in Croatia